The 2010 Census is rapidly approaching. Should we as like-minded types decide on a coordinated response to questions of faith? Should we all reply "FSM-ism" or "Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster" or what? In order to have the most excellent impact we need to all be on the same page.

I was debating this very choice the other day. I can't decide between "atheist" and "Pastafarian". I bet if you ask the moderator real nicely you could get this moved to the "Demographics" section and we could have a nice little vote on the matter.

Roy Hunter wrote:Then, when you've got to know them a bit and their defences are down, you go all Scott the Pirate on them...

"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."("Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.")-- Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805)Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.-- Philip K DickWhat happens when all the renewable energy runs out?-- Victoria AylingEnglish isn't much of a language for swearing. When I studied Ancient Greek I was delighted to discover a single word - Rhaphanidosthai - which translates roughly as "Be thou thrust up the fundament with a radish for adultery."

If you want people to understand that you spurn mainstream religion but nevertheless consider yourself part of a community with a common philosophy, go with Pastafarian. If you want people to wonder WTF you said, go with agnostic atheist. Only about one in a thousand will understand it, and most of the rest will focus on atheist and try to push you into the river.

"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."("Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.")-- Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805)Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.-- Philip K DickWhat happens when all the renewable energy runs out?-- Victoria AylingEnglish isn't much of a language for swearing. When I studied Ancient Greek I was delighted to discover a single word - Rhaphanidosthai - which translates roughly as "Be thou thrust up the fundament with a radish for adultery."

"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."("Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.")-- Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805)Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.-- Philip K DickWhat happens when all the renewable energy runs out?-- Victoria AylingEnglish isn't much of a language for swearing. When I studied Ancient Greek I was delighted to discover a single word - Rhaphanidosthai - which translates roughly as "Be thou thrust up the fundament with a radish for adultery."

I guess the problem is that even if they get one million Pastafarians they will simply toss it aside as a hoax, which of course it is but equally valid and evidence based as any other religion. On the other hand, it would be great if atheists actually made a good showing this time. It would be good if there was a codified response to heighten impact, no matter which way we decide to do it.

fueledbycoffee wrote:I'd be tempted to put down "Satanist" if I could, just for funsies. I'd say out of the two, Atheist. Put down Pastafarian, odds are the next day the DEA'll come a'knockin'.

Wouldn't be any big deal here, nothing to find. I'll be amazed if they census me anyhow. Nothing as interesting as that ever happens up here. The big excitement in town this week is watching Todd put in his new fence.

"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."("Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.")-- Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805)Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.-- Philip K DickWhat happens when all the renewable energy runs out?-- Victoria AylingEnglish isn't much of a language for swearing. When I studied Ancient Greek I was delighted to discover a single word - Rhaphanidosthai - which translates roughly as "Be thou thrust up the fundament with a radish for adultery."